Nintendo today announced a new portable it's calling the 2DS. The device looks somewhat similar to the 3DS XL, but lacks the 3D viewing. In addition, it doesn't appear to be able to close like a clamshell.

Nintendo's new portable comes in two flavors -- a red and a blue -- and will retail for $129.99 when it hits store shelves on October 12. That's about $40 less than the 3DS. Nintendo says that the reduced price will help it attract gamers who otherwise might not be investing in its mobile devices.

Whether the device's design can attract gamers, however, remains to be seen. It appears to be big and bulky and not as mobile-friendly as its clamshell-designed alternatives. Simply put, the 2DS -- at least in my estimation -- is ugly. And that could negatively affect sales. I suppose we'll find out after October 12 when this device launches.

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Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
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